Question

how are symbols used to create the mythology of a nation?

Answer 1

Interesting question...Every culture has a mythology and even within cultures that have advanced writing skills, symbols are still a strong supporting part of the mythology. The use of symbols could be summed up by the saying, "A picutre is worth a thousand words". They symbol of the rainbow in nature has been used to suport and continue the myth of God's promise after the the Great Flood, the Star of David as a symbol of Judaic mythology, the Yin/Yang is a symbol of balance in Asian mythology. Symbols are basically the trademarks of mythologies and to recognize them is to regocnize the myth itself, to identify with the myth. They are part of the creation of myths the same way symbols are part of the creation of branding. We see in the symbol what we've learned to believe about the myth. They symbol can keep the myth on our mind and that will help create and maintain that mythology.

Answer 2

Additionally, I think when it comes to nations, the establishment of mythology help present participants have a sense of identity and history. In the United States we have a vast resource of national myths that create a sense of "destiny" within our culture. Christopher Columbus, The Pilgrims, George Washington, Abe Lincoln - most of the history taught in primary education is actually a Nationalist indoctrination rather than actual "historical fact". Always, this sense of history helps convince the present day participants in a nation that they're continuing a "great work" that is both necessary as it was inevitable.

Answer 3

Jhouser...that's very well put. The mythology, both symbolic and written, convinces through belief the undeniable necessity of their "great works", regardless of if the myths are historically accurate or not. Well said.